Ex-railway workers, suffering from asbestos related diseases, attended a workshop in Swindon this week to help them manage their breathing difficulties more effectively.

The workshop, organised by the charity, the Swindon and South West Asbestos Group was led by nurses with expertse in respiratory diseases and who all work in local hospices.

Many of the people attending were suffering from a form of asbestos disease, ranging from pleural plaques through to asbestosis and mesothelioma. Group members were encouraged to share their health problems how they are coping with them.

"The nurses were able to demonstrate some useful techniques on how to control breathlessness and cope with other symptoms caused by contact with asbestos," says Brigitte Chandler, who opened the meeting and is founder of the asbestos charity.

Brigitte Chandler is a lawyer specialising in industrial diseases with solicitors, Charles Lucas & Marshall.

"As well as ex-railway workers we also invited their carers and families to the workshops and from the feedback we have had, it would seem there is a great need for these sort of sessions."

"There is real lack of support for people, despite the fact there are so many asbestos sufferers in the Swindon area."